Tampa Takes First Game Of Series With Eckerd

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa (21-17, 12-10 SSC) softball team claimed the first of a three-game series with Sunshine State Conference opponent Eckerd College (15-33-1, 5-18 SSC), defeating the Tritons by a 4-2 mark.

Susan Jallo helped create UT's first run after reaching bunt single in the first inning. The sophomore third baseman stole second and third and eventually scored on an Eckerd error.

Tampa added a pair of runs in the fifth and another in sixth as each Eckerd run came via a wild pitch. A Jessica Tejas double in the fifth crossed Becky Vyzas and Julie Wisniewski as the final Spartan run came on a Wisniewski double that scored pinch-runner Brittany Garcia. Wisniewski and Jallo each finished with a pair of hits apiece for head coach Leslie Kanter's squad.

Heather Van Landingham (13-10) started for UT and went 5.1 innings, allowing just three hits while fanning four Tritons. Kari Walsh earned her third save of the year with a perfect 1.2 innings where she registered four punchouts.

The teams will return to the field on Saturday for a 1 p.m. doubleheader. Four Spartan seniors will be honored between games as Ashley Carrea, Shannon Kelly, Tejas and Van Landingham will each play their final game for the Spartans. Live stats will be available through www.tampaspartans.com.

Fans may also follow University of Tampa athletics on Twitter (www.twitter.com/utspartans) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/tampaspartans). UT also offers eScores, a free text messaging service that sends text alerts following all Spartan events. To sign up, please register at www.tampaspartans.com.